Breadcrumb

Moravian Book Shop

Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookstore in America, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian College student bookstore. For 273 years, booklovers near and far have looked to the Moravian Book Shop for its curated selection of books and iconic Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts.

Oldest in the Country

What You’ll Find

The Book Shop continues to offer its iconic book section that features indie best sellers, trade books, and select books highlighting the history of Moravians, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel, the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania. In addition, the Moravian Book Shop sells and buys back student textbooks. The Book Shop stocks Moravian College apparel and gift items, reference books, stationery and art supplies, greeting cards, candy, and health and beauty aids. The inventory also includes traditional Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts and College faculty- and alumni-authored books.

Food & Beverages

In the spring of 2019, the Moravian Book Shop will welcome two local businesses to our historic building on Main Street: Lost Tavern Brewing and Dave's Deli & Gelato.

Lost Tavern Brewing, with its primary location on Main Street in Hellertown, will offer up to 12 beers on tap including a few guest taps from some of Pennsylvania’s top breweries. Our customers will also have the opportunity to purchase beer to go and fill up their growlers and crowlers (canned growler) with tasty Lost Tavern (and other breweries) offerings.

Dave's Deli & Gelato, with its primary location on Stoke Park Road in Bethlehem, will serve lunch and dinner including entrees to pair with beer options such as flatbreads, quesadillas, house-made hummus and deli sliders.

Check back here for announcements about the opening of both businesses!

Staying in the Moravian Family

After 273 years, the Moravian Church Northern Province was ready to remove themselves from this retail business and focus on supporting their 85 congregations. The Northern Province approached Moravian College in 2018 to purchase the Book Shop to continue its legacy and keep the beloved Book Shop within “the Moravian family.” It was a natural fit for America’s sixth oldest college to take over operations of the oldest book seller and ensure it serves students and the community for generations to come.